If you’re ever in need of a confidence boost in your parenting, I highly recommend chaperoning a school field trip. Just the other day, I had the opportunity to join my child’s second-grade class on a visit to the theater, and boy, was it an eye-opening experience! It became clear to me that a number of parents are more than okay with sending their kids off to a big outing looking like they just rolled out of bed—think unbuttoned shirts, mismatched pants, untied shoelaces, and the occasional booger situation. And this wasn’t just any school day; it was a field trip to the theater of all places!
Perhaps these parents have already accepted a truth that many of us are still grappling with: Kids can be downright messy, and there’s really no point in trying to battle that reality. For that, I owe a thank you to these parents who, in their own special ways, lifted my spirits about my own sometimes questionable parenting skills.
So here’s my shoutout:
To the parents of the child sporting a face that looked like it was decorated with two days’ worth of snot: My first instinct was to wonder if anyone had even given him a once-over this morning. But then I took a good look at my own kid and realized he had a similar situation brewing around his nostrils. Sure, I reminded him to eat breakfast and brush his teeth, but did I actually check in on how he looked? Not really.
To the parents of the bubbly child sitting next to me on the bus, who regaled me with tales of how her mom spent ‘practically all day’ combing lice out of her hair: Thanks for the reminder that I can stop feeling so shabby about my own lice encounters as a kid. Now, I can only imagine how many times my kids will come home with that itchy nuisance over the next decade. And just like that, my head began to itch.
To the parents of the kid bragging about his family’s shiny new toys—a motor home, a four-wheeler, and a house with a massive pool and slide: I appreciate the perspective shift! It makes me feel much better about our previous short sale. So, when can we arrange a playdate so my family can check out your impressive collection of toys?
To the parents of the child munching on a lunch filled with a pre-packaged PB&J, a fruit roll-up, a chocolate rice crispy treat, and chocolate milk: You’ve made me feel a little better about my own lunchbox choices. I admit, I was a bit judgmental, but maybe your kid doesn’t gnaw on the dog’s tail or turn the walls into an art canvas when presented with sugary snacks like mine does.
To the parents of the kid who constantly ran ahead of the group, lagged behind and got lost, and tried to head-butt everyone: Oh wait, that was my kid. Nevermind.
To the parents of the child who needed water every ten seconds and kept asking me to hold his hat and jacket: Thank you for validating my choice to make my child wait for things instead of giving in to every little complaint. I feel justified in encouraging him to be independent—except when it comes to tying his shoes. He just learned that two weeks ago. (It’s not my fault Velcro shoes are always on sale!)
To the parents of the child who proudly proclaimed her breath stank and displayed her five silver crowns when asked if she brushed her teeth: You’ve inspired me to wrestle my kids into a headlock tonight for some serious tooth brushing. That dental work looked pricey, and I’d rather deal with lice any day!
To all these parents: Each of you, in your unique way, reassured me about my parenting choices. Thank you for reminding me that, for at least one day, I’m not completely failing at this wonderfully chaotic journey we call parenting—or at least, I’m not the only one who feels that way.
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In summary, let’s embrace the messiness of parenting together. We’re all in this wild ride, and sometimes, it helps to know we’re not alone!